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I have a 10 year old boy who desperately needs to gain weight, he currently is 48.5 lbs and 4' tall. I had him on pediasure for a couple of years, he drank them so much that he now gags at the first mouthful. He's always been a tiny boy but his weight/height gain has evened out, but lately he's been gaining more height and not enough weight. His appetite is normal, he eats normally but just can't gain. Any ideas would so helpful!

Is this just your own concern or has your family doctor made any recommendations? Maybe a referral the the Children's feeding clinic in Wpg is in order. I hope your son is and stays healthy.

the doctors concern than my own....I made an appt with a dietitian next week to get her advice. My son has to go in now every three months for weight checks.

the doctor made is more milk, rice, pasta, potatoes and more frequent meals than just breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Has the doctor done their due diligence and ruled out things like Celiac? That would prevent him from gaining weight and would keep him small.  
 
Someone I know had 2 of her children recently diagnosed with Celiac (including one that was relatively asymptomatic), and she noted they both gained weight and sprouted up almost immediately once they began the prescribed diet.  
 
Also, it's normal to gain height but not weight at the same time. Once they slow down growing, they will usually catch up in weight. My kids do it all the time, some of them will gain the weight prior to growing, and some will catch up afterwards (depending on the kid).

Hasn't been any tests, celiac is entirely possible since as a child I could not eat gluten. I am not too concerned because I had the same issues as a child, I remember the endless tests, and in the end nothing was found. Once I hit puberty I starting growing normally. However because he has anxiety and is a nervous kid, his dr has mentioned putting him on medications, so trying to prevent that!

What is his diet like? Does he eat gluten then? Based on personal experience I suspect there are dietary issues/in tolerances happening here, or maybe even celiac disease. I strongly urge you to take him to see a dietitian or naturopathic doctor...you want to get to the bottom of the issues (underweight, anxious, etc) now, rather than later. There may be a few simple tweaks you can make to his diet that will help immensely. Good luck!

Gluten, a couple years ago his dr thought he might have ibs because some foods bother him, I never thought it could be gluten. We have an appt next week with a dietician so I will for sure mention that! For the time being I have to keep a food/activity journal for him. Diet wise, he's a good eater, eats meat, and veggies no problem, it the side dishes we struggle with.

Forcing a kid's metabolism to gain or lose weight can haunt them for the rest of their life.  
 
If you starve an overweight child they'll gain even more. If you try to over feed an underweight child will they stay small? The body can respond counter intuitively.  
 
If nothing is medically wrong I would let the kid be a kid. There will be a growth spurt. It could be he inherited some genes from a great great grandparent.

I agree that it could easily be a growth spurt for a boy at age 10. Get things checked out with someone other than his current doctor, but don't jump on the bandwagon of drugs. They often don't fix much and are just a bandaid. I am glad that you are hesitant.  
 
Doctors often will overreact. When one of my kids was a baby-young child, doctors were worried about weight & had me coming in constantly. It was all about their comparison charts and what was considered "normal." They forget that there is also big and small. Not everyone is built the same. Metabolisms vary widely. It was ridiculous. What added to it was that we as parents were small too. To this day, my adult child is still on the small side, but is healthier than most young adults out there.  
 
We have a niece who was even more thin. To this day, as an adult, she is still very thin/skinny. It is just her metabolism.  
 
I was always told by wise older moms that if the child is relatively healthy, eating well, strong, happy and active (mine was SO active), that there is nothing to worry about. You don't sound overly worried, but I can see that all of the fuss is messing with you. You referred to having the same things happen when you were young, and this makes me suspect that he is normal for your family.  
 
What I would say is to make sure that he is active, eating a real food, whole foods diet (no white & no processed foods, but stick to traditional foods, minimal additives), and keep him active.  
 
What the doctor recommended in the form of high carbs will only lead to unhealthy fat gain, when what is much more desirable is muscle with a bit of healthy fat gain. Eating constantly will not give his digestive tract a chance to rest either, which is important. Consuming fat does not lead to fat either. Don't be afraid of adding healthy minimally processed fats (olive, grapeseed or coconut oils, some animal fats including real butter, avocado...canola is highly processed). If there are foods that physically bother him, cut them out and find a healthy alternative. This is a less alarmist way to approach everything.  
 
On that note, and not to alarm you, but just an idea to consider that most people don't think of...worms can be something that infect people and can cause lack of weight gain. Old world cultures often regularly ate certain foods to help eliminate these. We don't do this in North America. It might be worth asking a natural practitioner about. Their ways will be much more gentle on the body than conventional. I do know that an infusion (strong tea made with cold water) of broadleaf plantain is good. Adding mint helps perk up the flavor. Plantain is very healthy regardless. Hedleys might carry it. It is past the plant's DIY harvest time now. Plantain is only one of many herbs that can help if this is an issue.  
 
About the anxiety, all of the intense "concern" won't help. It sends the message to your son that he has something wrong with him, he needs to be fixed and so on. This in itself could be a large part of his experiencing anxiety. If the anxiety is something that you feel needs more attention, there are many safe herbs that can be used for anxiety with way less side effects than meds. Also figuring out what is bothering him in his environment (stresses from school, people, games, tv, processed foods, other sources) and trying to figure out how to lessen these stresses might help a lot.  
 
I hope that you can both find peace on the other side of all this noise. I, for one, would be interested in what the conclusion might be. Do your own research, consider all avenues and weigh it all. Hang in there.

Thank you everyone for the advice and support! When he was 6.5 he weighed in at 28lbs. His size back then was medical related... Dr. Thess removed his tonsils and adenoids (he said they were so huge that it explained why he had a fear of eating.... he was constantly choking.) After his surgery he gained 10 lbs in 6 months.  
My instinct is telling me that there is nothing wrong with him, it's genetic on both sides and he will outgrow this.  
This summer he did have a growth spurt in height, he grew almost two sizes! He is a very active kid, can't sit still for more that 5 minutes.  
I would imagine that our family meals are similar to most families.... roast beef, meatloaf, spaghetti, roast chicken, ect, I try to stay away from as much processed foods as possible. Fast food doesn't always agree with him and due to an allergy that I have we don't eat out much at all.  
I've read about worms.... has crossed my mind years ago... I have no idea on how to go about figuring out if thats the issue, but would that not affect more than one child in the family?  
My son's anxiety itself is hard to explain...... he's terrified of storms, the dark, he worries about loud noises, all posters in his room can't have eyes, all his stuffies have to be turned away from him, he frets about doing well in school, playing with friends, his health and why his bones stick out (he thought he had bone cancer because his knee bones stuck out).... he stresses more than most adults! We monitor his screen time, because of his imagination really watch whats on TV, or even what we talk about around him... he seems to have eyes and ears everywhere! He's not to concerned about his weight, he knows he is thin, I just tell him he will get bigger.... it just takes time!  
We meet with the dietitian next week, looking forward to hearing what she has to say!

I feel so bad for all these kids growing up in the age of made up conditions...ask the doctor about celiac and listen for the groan he makes before rolling his eyes. “Forcing a skinny kid to eat will make him thinner?” What do you guys all do for a living? You should start your posts with your qualifications before you convince this lady to experiment on her son with all your weird diagnosis’s. I met on woman with celiac in my life and believe me there was no joking about it...celiac isn’t a maybe thing it’s a doubled over in pain if you consume a trace amount of gluten.  
 
I was under 100lbs until grade 9 graduated at 112lbs...150lbs at 19...my advice is just relax and continue seeking advice from trained, informed, professionals (homeopathic anything’s don’t count as professionals)

You mention qualifications and then you give the worst advice yet regarding celiacs. You are an idiot. Celiac disease can take many forms especially in children. One of the main ones is small size not gaining weight. To the original question it is really hard to say. But a blood test is the first step. Could just be a small person and there is nothing wrong with that.

most rather push the testing rather than the medications. Back when I was a child it wasn't know as celiac but a wheat allergy, if its genetic than its entirely possible that's what could be his problem with weight gain. He's only gained three pounds in a year, however he gained three inches this year.

Sure, suggest the OP give herbs to treat a potentially serious mental health condition. It's also ridiculous to suggest that canola oil should be avoided. It is one of if not the healthiest oil available. All I get from your post is to not listen to doctors and instead you offer suggestions that have no medical merit.

I can only speak to my own experience. My parents had me at the dr as a child because I wasn't gaining weight. The dr would say children won't starve themselves they will eat when they are hungry and since I was very active, that was a good sign. I am 38 and weigh 106lbs, still can't gain weight but the more active I am the more I can eat. I am definitely not unhealthy. My daughter is almost 10 and weights the same as your son, some days she eats what is considered "normal" for her age and some days most of her lunch comes home. She loves fruit and veg and sometimes chooses them over everything else, I have to bribe her to eat meat sometimes but I think protein is important. I have found 9% MF yogurt Liberty brand, we eat lots of eggs in many forms, french toast if that's the only way she will eat them. Sounds like you are feeding your son healthy foods so if the testing comes back normal I would continue how you are. About your son's anxiety, have you considered a counselor to help, The Samaritan house has a great childerns counselor, or his school might be able to help. Possibly the dietitian you are meeting with might also have suggestions. Good luck and some of us are just born tiny and stay tiny.

They might only affect one person of the family, but possibly more. An adult or child can pick them up from not properly cooked food (even in restaurants), the beach, animals, etc.  
 
I would encourage you to research it more before assuming. I had only mentioned it as a possibility since you asked for ideas. I have read that it is more common in our society than people realize.  
 
As I said, plantain tea wouldn't hurt anything. It is very safe and very healthy. Thyme, oregano and there is another herb that is not so safe so I won't mention it here, all take care of various worms.  
 
Hot peppers can also do the same.

My son also had many unusual worries/anxiety. I phoned CATC (child and adolescent treatment center) and worked with them for about a year on my child's anxiety. We had things to work on at home, and they worked with him there as well. It was so helpful and now as a teenager he is must more relaxed and not near as anxious as he was as a child.

Kirk said "Sure, suggest the OP give herbs to treat a potentially serious mental health condition. It's also ridiculous to suggest that canola oil should be avoided. It is one of if not the healthiest oil available. All I get from your post is to not listen to doctors and instead you offer suggestions that have no medical merit. "

I posted to answer the OP's question and it sounds as though it was welcomed. I didn't post to personally offend you and your opinions.  
 
I also stated to see someone other than his *current* doctor. I didn't say don't go to another. But I did say, backed up with a reason, how doctors *can* overreact to thinness. The OP was already aware of this. They did so with my healthy smaller than average child and also my healthy thin niece.  
 
You obviously are not well researched and are not aware what is available to treat anxiety. I was once a blind follower of the medical system too, but after personally having many negative experiences with them concerning serious health matters, no longer blindly trust. I know they can help in some cases, their advice can be good, but in other cases, they are a dangerous bunch. They almost killed me, twice...and there is much more that they did to me to cause me to distrust them. They are not perfect. I have since learned that I am far from the only one who had these experiences. You have to be aware and informed. This is important! I will still go to them and also take my kids if I feel the need. They have their place. But I also know that the doctors are not infallible gods and their training is very narrow.  
 
If you learn about the world of herbs, you can learn a lot of good. Western society is so wrapped up in the meds can fix all mentality (and let's ignore or treat the side effects with more drugs) that they forget the wisdom of years gone by. I am not talking about snake oil or home remedies that are bogus (of which there are many), but scientifically proven herbs that *if used correctly*, can be very beneficial.  
 
If you learn from a board certified herbalist (try K.P.Khalsa, the top in North America and highly certified) you will find that he is well researched, well scientifically documented, and is very knowledgeable and successful in working with serious disorders. He has worked with these for well over 40 years. He has more medical merit than either you or me. Even so, he is not a god either. Awareness is key.  
 
About canola oil...do your research, but I am not sure how much you will find online. The oil in its pure form stinks and tastes bad. It has to be bleached to make it not taste bad and not smell bad. Then it is up to the buyer to add their own (artificial) flavorings, etc. to make it palatable. It is a highly processed product. I did not read this online, but through a developmental food producers information packet. I did not say that it does not contain good qualities, but less processed usually means easier to digest, so easier on the body, and therefore healthier in that respect. Some other oils go through minimal processing. Because of this, they are easier on the body, and less goodness is lost through their processing methods. Processing usually always means a loss of something. These other oils are more desirable for those reasons. If the OP is avoiding synthetic additives too (which it looks like she is), the addition of the flavors, etc. would not be what she wants in the diet anyway.  
 
Sorry to disappoint you, Kirk. I do know what I am talking about and it is not internet hype, woo woo hype, nor marketing hype. It is all well and scientifically documented. I would encourage you to learn more.  
 
As for Dobilina (sorry, I probably spelled your screen name wrong)...I am talking about proven *herbalism.* I am not talking about homeopathy as you suggested. That is a different topic altogether. I also don't see anyone posting about eating making one thin.  
 
Edited by Flutterby, 2018-10-18 10:15:10

MrDobalina said "I feel so bad for all these kids growing up in the age of made up conditions...ask the doctor about celiac and listen for the groan he makes before rolling his eyes. “Forcing a skinny kid to eat will make him thinner?” What do you guys all do for a living? You should start your posts with your qualifications before you convince this lady to experiment on her son with all your weird diagnosis’s. I met on woman with celiac in my life and believe me there was no joking about it...celiac isn’t a maybe thing it’s a doubled over in pain if you consume a trace amount of gluten.     I was under 100lbs until grade 9 graduated at 112lbs...150lbs at 19...my advice is just relax and continue seeking advice from trained, informed, professionals (homeopathic anything’s don’t count as professionals) "

In case you were wondering, I'm a stay-at-home parent with my kids, including a special needs child. So I've been around the medical block a few times.  
 
Celiacs, while some people manifest like you state, many-to-most do not. In the example I cited, someone I know had 2 of her 3 children diagnosed with it (actual diagnosis, by medical doctors including a specialist in Winnipeg).  
 
One child was clearly ill and that one was diagnosed first. As standard practice, other first degree relatives (mother, father, siblings) are also tested. One of the other children also tested positive (while the other sibling and both parents are negative), although he had no clear symptoms to suggest he had it. But since starting the prescribed diet, it has since retrospectively become obvious that something in fact had been subtly wrong, because he made big gains and his health improved.  
 
One of the most challenging things, and frankly among the most common complaints, about Celiac is that patients will go years or even decades without a diagnosis. Symptoms can be subtle or manifest in unexpected ways, and because it's been thought to be relative uncommon condition it's not the first thing doctor's check even though a blood test is an easy and increasingly reliable screening tool (although not perfect).  
 
I only suggested Celiac because I've seen the impact it has on growth in children. I was suggesting that the OP work with their physician to eliminate it as a possibility, especially if there's other abnormal blood chemistry to accompany it (such as chronically low iron and/or B12).

RageddyAnn said "most rather push the testing rather than the medications. Back when I was a child it wasn't know as celiac but a wheat allergy, if its genetic than its entirely possible that's what could be his problem with weight gain. He's only gained three pounds in a year, however he gained three inches this year. "

If he's gained three inches and otherwise has healthy labs (good iron, B12, low inflammatory markers, etc), I would suggest there's no problem.  
 
We have 5 kids, my husband comes from a skinny family and I come from a fat one. Our kids are a variety of sizes and shapes (although most thankfully lean to the thin side). Each child is unique, as as long as they're growing and are otherwise healthy, it's normal for them.  
 
Just to illustrate - child #4 was 20 lbs at 6 months - a good, hefty baby and is definately broader in bone structure from #2 & #3 (but not as stocky as #1). But she only gained 10 more lbs in the next 2.5 years, while growing several feet, LOL. That's just what's normal for her.  
 
For the anxiety, I would also suggest CATC. I've heard really good things about them. I would avoid medication until it becomes last resort, as they are notoriously hard to get off of (speaking from experience with myself and one of my children).

After reading up on celiac, i'm thinking if anything he might have a sensitivity. As a child I was diagnosed with a wheat allergy, but out grew it by puberty. From what I read about Celiac disease, you don't out grow it.  
Yesterday his school had tornado drills, this morning he was all panicky about tornadoes. A year ago we had crave tv, found out that he was waking up early to watch Finding Bigfoot (now he's afraid of the woods). We have since unsubscribed from Crave. He has a very active imagination, and we can only shelter him so much before another fear enters his mind! However, when it comes to sports, water, being a general dare-devil, he has no fear! I will talk to his school and see if there is a guidance counselor he could talk to, if not then talk to his dietitian and see what she could recommend.  
All in all he is a good eater, eats all meats, a large variety of fruits and vegetables, grains ect. I'm not worried about his eating habits, he's not a picky eater for the most part, he can out eat his teenage brother when he wants to, I just want him to gain a little weight.

having blood work done before his surgery, he has never been tested for anything. Possibly because he eats all foods?

1. Stop shielding him from everything this is contributing to him being scared of new experiences. You are transferring your fear to him.  
 
2. Stop worrying about his weight. Parents today are so wrapped in their kids weight either too heavy or too skinny. It will create a long time problem for him. He is eating well and that’s what counts.  
 
3. Do NOT put him on any medication just on advice of family dr. See child psychologist first and even then question the need. Kids are being put on medication too often and then we wonder why there are more problems.  
 
Get counselling for him. By himself so he can freely discuss what’s going on. And don’t be upset if you are part of the problem.  
 
Last but not least get counselling for yourself to learn to deal with your feelings on this and why you are so concerned about every little thing that happens and his weight. Kids weights go up and down. Find out why you are so worried about it as this is putting stress on your kid.

I looked up K.P.Khalsa who was born and lives in Oregon who you refer to as a board certified herbalist-the top in North America and highly certified. Here is some information you may find interesting.  
 
****"In the United States, there is no certifying or licensing body in herbalism like there is for medical doctors, and thus there is no legally recognized certification or licensure for herbalists. Herbalists’ right to practice is protected by their right to free speech under the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. Herbalists can educate clients on how to use healthful food, lifestyle practices, and herbs to support wellness and correct imbalance so the body can heal itself, but it is illegal for herbalists to treat, cure, and prescribe as medical doctors can."  
 
https://theherbalacademy.com/can-you-really-become-a-certified-herbalist/  
 
 
 
Basically anyone can claim to be a herbalist. I just pronounced myself a herbalist right now. Would you like to purchase dandelion flowers from my lawn. I'm sure somebody out there believes it could treat heart disease, cancer, constipation, erectile dysfunction, hyperhidrosis and many more conditions.  
 
Khalsa sells videos, books, consultations and even his own line of body care products. Do you think there might be some sort of alterior motive other than spreading his "knowledge"? $$$$$  
 
I could care less what type of quackery you personally believe in but when you come on here giving medical advice to people who may be easily suggestible or naive it could have very serious consequences. I wouldn't be surprised if you are also one of those anti-vac people.

Food sensitivities can contribute to anxiety in addition to weight issues and growth issues.  
Personally, I would exclude gluten and all corn products to start. Try it. If either of those are the issue, you should see a drop in anxiety levels after about 2 weeks. Balancing weight should happen, but it can take 2 months for the body to completely detoxify. (Speaking from experience here.)  
 
Superstore has an excellent gluten free bread called O'doughs that is corn free, gluten free and non-GMO. It actually tastes like bread. It does take longer to toast...usually on med-high for two times.  
They also offer bagels and a flat bread I use for pizza. O'doughs is chickpea based so it is high in protien as well.  
Get rice pasta from Superstore as well. You do have to rinse it in cold water. So it does have to be reheated.  
Walmart had a rice pasta brand called Tinkyada that doesn't need rinsing. It is very VERY good. The lasagne noodles are my favorite gluten free lasagne noodle. Tinkyada brand is Kosher and produced in a factory that only produces rice pasta. Zero contamination.  
 
Do not discount anxiety being connected to food sensitivities. I aslo have some very good gluten free cake recipes. Let me know if you want some copies.  
 
If you do go corn free, then you should know baking powder and icing suger have corn starch. I can give you a baking powder recipe (super easy). Corn starch free icing sugar...I have no idea where you would find that. (Corn starch is used to make icing sugar keep form for decorating.) Now I just use whipped cream on cake.

I forgot to add this piece to my post. Pumpkin seeds are a know dewormer. If you eat them with the scratchy seed coat it can help dislodge worms from the intestines. There is also a compound in the inner part that paralyzes the worms so they can't hold onto the lining of the intestines when having a bowel movement. Tis the season for pumpkin seeds and they are also yummy.

never had testing for anything.  
 
AndreaD: Sounds like good advice. He has had tummy issues before which we were told could be IBS. We meet with a dietitian next week, I will see what she has to say! Thanks  
 
Worms "shudder".... we do like pumpkin seeds though!

 
 
Edited by AndreaD., 2018-10-18 19:24:53